NC State’s Saniya Rivers embraces new challenge with score-first mindset

CHARLOTTE — Saniya Rivers isn’t known for taking over a game with her scoring ability. Instead, NC State’s star guard is content with getting her buckets while also finding her teammates to get them involved.  But in the Wolfpack’s 92-81 win over No. 2 UConn last season, Rivers flipped the script. She not only took over the game, but Rivers was nearly unstoppable in getting to the rim. She finished with a career-high 33 points on an efficient 11-of-19 shooting (10-of-13 inside the arc).  That game appeared as if it was going to unlock a new part of Rivers’ game, but it didn’t. She didn’t get more than 23 points in a single game the rest of the season — something that didn’t bother the pass-first point guard.  “That was a big confidence booster, but I feel like it didn’t take me very far,” Rivers said at ACC Media Day on Tuesday. “I had a breakout game with scoring and I almost went back into my shell a little bit.” Now, Rivers might be able to break out of her shell in a new role this season. The crafty guard is likely to play on the wing for the Wolfpack, while also dabbling at point guard and in the paint in some smaller lineups. But she will need to bring a score-first mentality to the table.